[Mpls] Basim Sabri and City Hall

[WizardMarks]

Jay Clark wrote:

> This article quotes several Minneapolis Issues List contributors, 
> including David Piehl, Zack Matoyer, and Wizard Marks.  We are even 
> treated to a portrait of a radiant, beaming Wizard - can I get an 
> autographed copy?

WM: I've been amazingly consistent on this issue. I began by saying I 
was happy that he had taken on two buildings that had been 
vacant/boarded for ten years or better and made them into functioning 
buildings. I'm still happy about that every time I drive Lake St.

I'm also happy that he had the wherewithall to build a new building on 
what was a vacant lot for umpteen years on Lake St., got the building on 
the southwest corner of 4th and Lake in order, and built a strip of 
stores on Second Ave where once 7 vacant lots and a derelict house had 
stood. He did not build a hotel on those seven lots though he surely 
wanted to. I'm tickled pink that he took the old Chevy dealer's property 
(Reachout) at 5th and Lake and improved it about a zillion percent.

Throughout all that Sabri went through the normal channels that 
developers do with MCDA/CPEP, inspections, health dept.? and they passed 
his work.

Would I work for Sabri? Hell no. He's verbally abusive. I've witnessed 
how he treats his employees and want no part of it. But, yes, I'm 
grateful for the work he did on vacant land and vacant/boarded 
buildings. I'll also be grateful when Ryan Company finishes the Sears 
Building, though I still have issues with the tight bond between Ryan 
Co. and the city.

> WizardMarks, Central
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